A Bath shop has been described as 'filthy' in a hygiene report after inspectors find evidence of rodent activity

Worries about rats, a lack of cleaning, dirt, filthy areas, smoking and poor hand washing facilities at the Jones Convenience Store on London Road are detailed in a report obtained by Bath Live under the Freedom of Information Act.

The manager has since said lessons have been learned after it was told major improvement was necessary in food hygiene.

A food hygiene inspection carried out by Bath and North East Somerset council described parts of the store's premises as "filthy" and said it was generally in "very poor condition with low levels of hygiene and housekeeping" when the inspection took place on March 5.

The inspector also noted there was "clear evidence" of rodents having been at the property in the past.

The Jones Convenience Store in Bath (Image: Paul Gillis)

Concerns were raised in the hygiene report that the condition of the shop could attract rats.

A problem with rats was apparently recorded at the store in December 2017.

The store's manager said this week that an investment had been made to improve things since.

8 areas of concern in report

Cleaning in a food preparation area (stock image) (Image: Getty)

1 - Cleaning

The hygiene report points out premises selling food are legally required to be clean at all times.

The inspector wrote: "The cleaning of the premise is poor with build-ups of dirt and debris in many areas.

"You are not dedicating enough time and resources to regular cleaning and the evidence suggests that deep cleaning is being neglected."

The inspector added they had "little confidence" in the accuracy of the shop's records, which stated the business was "clean and fit to trade" on the day of the inspection.

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"The premise displays clear evidence of rodent activity in the past. There are rat holes located above the shelves and the bake-off oven in the rear store room."

Evidence of rat traps and bait were also spotted by the inspector in other parts of Jones Convenience Store.

The report added: "The lack of regular cleaning and the removal of dirt and debris provide sources of nutrition to rats and mice.

"The poor repair and lack of maintenance are providing opportunities for rodents to hide in the building.

"You are therefore legally required to ensure that adequate procedures are in place to control pests."

The inspector warned that if a deep clean to remove areas where rats and mice might hide was not carried out within a month, the shop could be closed immediately if an "active infestation" was found.

A stock image of a rat (Image: Getty)

3 - Smoking

Smoking is against the law in "substantially enclosed" areas but the inspector found a pile of cigarette ends near the back door.

Staff were also seen smoking outside the shop front while dealing with a delivery of food.

"Furthermore, those staff that had been smoking did not wash their hands on returning in to the premise", the report added.

Smoking is banned in 'enclosed spaces' (Image: Getty)

4 - 'Filthy' rear yard

Particular concerns were raised by the food hygiene report about a covered rear yard, where a chest freezer was apparently kept.

The inspector said the area was not suitable for staff to collect open food products from the freezer because of its condition.

The report said: "The area is overgrown, strewn with rubbish and in a filthy condition. Its close proximity to the stream and the harbourage it provides make it highly likely to be frequented by rats. You must therefore cease storing any food in this area."

It was suggested that the freezer was relocated indoors.

Below: An interactive map of where Jones Convenience Store is located in Bath

5 - Hand washing facilities

There was no soap next to a sink in the staff office, although the inspector acknowledged there were bottles of soap in the sink cupboard.

The report added: "Within one month you are legally required to provide a separate hand washing sink, distinct from any used for washing-up or cleaning. It should be provided with running hot and cold water, hand soap and hand drying materials. (Annex II, Chapter I, 4).

"I would suggest that a basin be provided next to the bake-off area where staff are required to handle open food. I would also suggest you position wall-mounted liquid soap and paper hand drying materials next to it.

"Staff should be reminded to practice regular hand washing especially before handling open food and after smoking, eating food, handling rubbish or using the toilet."

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6 - Repair and decoration

The report said the general repair of the shop was "very poor".

The inspector found particular issues with the walk-in fridge, the store room ceiling and the store room floor, and called for urgent repair work to be carried out.

7 - Food handling

An oven where food is cooked was apparently located in "amongst piles of rubbish and has cobwebs hanging above it".

The inspector also found packets of sausages which had been opened but not then stored in a fridge.

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Mr Thomas said a new basin had been installed, as recommended in the food hygiene report.

New flooring had also been laid, along with a new chiller.

All staff have also now been food hygiene trained, something which hadn't been in place before, Mr Thomas added.

"I've been inviting some of our regulars to come and look at what we've done", he said.

"They've not been back to reinspect us yet and we hope that will happen soon."

A complaint about mouldy food which led to the hygiene inspection was eight months ago, Mr Thomas claimed.

He also argued it related to one pack of bread rolls, which was immediately withdrawn from sale.

Got an opinion on this or the hygiene of another local store? Email liam.trim@reachplc.com.

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